One-piece openwork finger splint



Feb. 23, 1965 c. E. STILSON ONE-PIECE OPENWORK FINGER SPLINT Filed Feb. 21, 1963 n w .H S E s m h c INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,170,460 ONE-PIECE OPENWORK FINGER SPLINT Charles E. Stilson, 4246 Cortland Ave., Detroit 4, Mich. Filed Feb. 21, 1965, Ser. No. 260,208 5 Claims. (Cl. 128-77) This invention relates, generally stated, to orthopedic devices and appliances but, more particularly, to readily applicable and removable hyperextension limiting and restraining appliances which are functionally designed and efiicaciously useful in the treatment or correction of deformities attributable to and arising from illness or accident, as the case may be.

More specifically, the concept has to do with improved splints or braces to be worn on a deformed body part (hand, finger, or toe) which is to be treated and corrected. When carefully made and contingent on craftsmanship, fabrication, rigidification and appropriately selected and conformably fitted material perfected on an individual basis by qualified persons, the desired end result can be successfully achieved. Assuming, for example, that the corrective assignment at hand has to do with supportive needs for a deformed finger, the splint is fashioned in keeping with the requirements of the matter at hand and functions with appropriateness to prevent the finger from bending backward, that is, prevents hyperextension of the interphalaugeal or metacarpo-phalangeal joint.

Using splints, such as the typical ones herein revealed, hyperextension is eflectually limited by the bridling and supporting action and consequent behaviour of the splint. The restraint imposed on the over-all finger by the properly related component parts of the splint accomplishes the desired result.

To the ends desired, the splint is preferably of onepiece openwork or skeletonized form and is so constructed that the finger, though ligatured is not immobilized. Hence, the finger can be flexed and manipulated to a reasonable extent. This is to say, the finger may be partially flexed to reliably grasp an object or thing, for instance, a drinking glass, a pencil, pen, needle, or the like. In fact and as will be hereinafter evident the users fingers can be flexed to form a tight fist. Then, too, many finger movements and actions can take place, quite normally as it were, while the splint (or splints) is in use and without perplexing hindrance.

By way of explanation here, it is to be pointed out that splints and braces in the category of invention herein under consideration are classified, generally speaking, as either .(1) static or (2) dynamic. To achieve the ends desired, a static splint functions to immobilize the body part embraced thereby. Alternatively, the dynamic splint permits motion of the embraced body part with which it is cooperatively associated. Static splints are rigidified to the extent necessary or required and are devoid of relatively movable component parts. On the other hand, dynamic splints behave differently. Accordingly, they are characterized by hinges, elastic and resilient members or equivalent movable parts. As will be hereinafter and more fully understood the splints or braces herein revealed are of rigid one-piece form but such in construction and delineated design that they provide the intended restraint but encourage and make for free functional motion for example a finger in fiexion, at will. It follows that the present concept has to do with dynamic splints but without relatively movable component parts.

It is within the purview of the inventive concept and is here pointed out that while the splints under advisement lend themselves, by resorting to slight structural modifications in design and size, to application to a patients hand (to prevent the hyperextension of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints) the disclosure is directed to hy- 3,170,469 Patented Feb. 23, 1965 perextension limiting finger or digit splints. As exemplary of the underlying principles involved, two embodiments only (FIGURES 1 to 4, and FIGURE 5) are being shown. In each embodimentand this is of significant importancethe finger is bridled, constrained and adequately supported in the manner illustrated at a plurality of points (three in FIGURES 2 and 3 and four in FIG- URE 5) to successfully prevent hyperextension and, at the same time, to provide the aforementioned freedom of motion and action of the embraced finger. Stated more explicitly, in each splint it will be noted that there are several points of supportive contact (three or four as the case may be) with the embraced finger. These points of contact are had through the medium of forward and rearward transversely disposed dorsal bridging braces or rests, and a cooperating intermediate palmar side joint seating saddle which are united by linking components and which maintain their desired geometrical relationship and coordinate and at the same time define and provide properly dimensioned top and bottom openings whereby the finger, even though restrained against hyperextension, may nevertheless flex and bend without undue restriction and while the splint stays put.

As will also be hereinafter more fully covered it is desirable to mention here, somewhat in passing, that the form or embodiment appearing in FIGURES 1 to 4 is fashioned and expressly made to accommodatingly embrace and support two adjacent phalanges and one interphalangeal joint while the other form or embodiment, FIGURE 5, is made and designed to support three phalanges and two interphalangeal joints.

It will also be appreciated that the appliance is such in construction that the prefabricated component parts are fashioned and aptly fitted to the individual user. The component parts are such that they are conjointly indispensable to the success of the others and hence the appliance is geared to the needs of the wearer. The open areas at the top and bottom portions of the appliance make for maximum use of a disabled portion of the finger or other body part ligated by the appliance. It follows that the appliance will meet the individual needs of the wearer, will assure optimum functioning and will make will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a view in perspective showing an orthopedic appliance, more specifically a splint constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention, the same being located for use on the wearers index finger and the finger being shown bent to illustrate how the construction on the intermediate palmar side allows free movement of the finger in fiexion.

FIGURE 2 is a view'in side elevation which shows the splint in its normal wearable position on the finger and illustrating how the finger is straightened thereby and how the splint functions to prevent the finger from bending backward, that is, how it prevents hyperextension.

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view which ties in'with both FIGURES 1 and 2 and functions to stress the importance of the finger joint bridging member which func tions as a sort of a saddle and cradle (FIGURE 1).

FIGURE 4 is an end elevational view, that is a view with the splint removed from the wearers finger and 'central portion 14 on the palmar side.

illustrating the construction thereof observing the same in a direction from left to right and based for example on FIGURE 1.

FIGURE is a view in perspective with the finger appearing in phantom lines and which shows a modified form or embodiment distinguishable generally from the other form in that it has an addenda at the forward or outer end portion thereof.

struction and is characterized by a transversely disposed longitudinally bowed or arcuately shaped forward band portion which conforms to and rests firmly atop the dorsal portion of the finger crossed thereby. This portion or member may be more specifically designated as a dorsal bridging brace or rest 10. Disposed somewhat in a common plane with the brace 10 is a second companion or complemental correspondingly constructed rearward dorsal bridging rest or brace 12. These two cross-braces 10 and 12 conformingly reside on the finger above the opposite ends of two adjacent phalanges (finger bones). In addition to providing longitudinally spaced transversely disposed dorsal rests these components 10 and 12 cooperatewith each other and with a third finger contacting component or member which is referred to broadly at 14. This member and the coacting portion thereof is transversely curved and shaped to provide a joint seating and embracing saddle.-- In fact, one may regard the braces or rests 10 and 12 as saddled over the dorsal pori connecting members or straps (1e to 22 inclusive) lie longitudinally to the finger axis and adjacent to and embrace the finger. In faet these straps (they could also be described as side bars) maintain the proper relation ship between the several contacting dorsal and palmar bridges 1.0, 12and 14. It is reiterated that it is a matter of significance and importance that the finger'is neatly bridled and embraced and supported inthe manner illus trated and described. at three points to prevent hyperextension and at the same time to provide freedom of motion as illustrated, at least partially, in FIGURE 1.

Minor design variationsin delineation and conformability to the surfaces contacted may have a bearing on the ease and cost of fabrication and certain secondary matters determining suitability for the user. For example, ease of donning, retention on the finger during activities or relaxation, accommodation to the finger deformity such as enlarged joints,'minimizing pressure concentration on the flesh, and cosmetic acceptability are all matters that would and doubtless will influence endorsement by manufacturers and retailers and acceptance by patients and prescribing doctors.

It is to be mentioned here that a splinthaving the characteristics and functions so far revealed with suitable modifications and proportions in shape would lend itself satisfactorily for application to a patients hand to prevent hyperextension of the 'metacarpo-phalangeal joints. Generically, such a hand type appliance (not shown) would be characterized by, briefly, two bars or equivalent members at the extremes on the dorsal side, one intermediate bar on the palmarside, and appropriate linking and connecting structure.

It is also to bementioned that merely because the views i of the drawing show the appliance on a single finger, such.

tions of the fingers and the joint seating and cradling i finger. Novel means is employed for interconnecting or linking the several braces 10, 12 and 13 together to provide a rigid conformable ligature-like splint. The means may be construed as longitudinal or lengthwise connecting members each disposed along its cooperating lengthwise surface of the finger in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 2 in particular. Actually each connecting member is made up of complemental portions, for example, forward portions 16 and rearward portions 18 which are bent and curved to embrace the finger surfaces with requisite nicety and with their adjacent end portions 20 and 22 converging toward and connected with the jointseating bridge 14 and in fact forming component portions thereof. Itwill be evident therefore that in each splint there. are three points of contact with the finger to distributively and appropriately transfer forces, the connectingstructure functioning to maintain the geometrical relationship between the several bridges 10, 12 and 14,the

brace 14 as saddled beneath the center joint of the prevention of hyperextension, and the provision of open areas so that the finger may flex in the desired range of motion without restriction. The brace 14 is further distinguished from the complemental braces 10 and 12 in that it is on the palmar side of the finger and in line with the joint in the manner illustrated. It is within the purview of the invention to add (not shown) appropriate reinforcing members which rigidify and act in taking either compression or tension stresses to decrease the bending stresses. that would otherwise be imposed on the In fact, such added. elements may ultimately be required to help in retaining the splint on the finger and making sure that the component parts are in proper alignment.

'The web-like central portion 15 resides in contact with the finger below the connecting interphalangeal joint as illustrated particularly in FIGURE 2. The longitudinal singl finger use is not to be construed as limiting in scope for, obviously, multiple type braces or splints arerfeasible and in many instances desirable. It will be evident too that the use of the finger splint applied in the manner shown can most assuredly help the patient control fingers and aid greatly in accomplishing satisfactory use of deformed fingers. V

With reference now to the modification or embodiment in FIGURE 5 it will be evident that this is, essentially the same in construction as the embodiment already covered. Briefly, it comprises the brace ior splint as an entity 8A fashioned from strap or. equivalent lightweight metal or commercial plastics and embodying the forward or outer dorsal'brace or rest 19A rearward oblique angled curvate brace or rest 12A, joint seating and saddling and palmar bridging member 14A and side connecting and linking components 16A, 18A, 20A, 22A and web 15A. The distinction here is in the addenda, refe rred to generally by the numeral 24, and which is an integral part of the over-all splint. The addedrest or brace 26 loops over the extremity of the distal phalanx, more specifically over the extremity thereof as shown. This rest or brace is joined by side connecting straps or members 28 with the adjacent cooperating cross brace 10A which in practice is intended and designed to loop over the medial phalanx near the distal-end of said phalanx. It will be evident that all of the expedients or component parts of the splint have .to be made of appropriate materials and conformingly fitted in the manner set forth in the introductory portion of the specification and appropriately dimensioned to achieve the end results desired.

Although it may be apparent from the views of the drawing it is deemed advisable to mention here that the hyperextension limiting finger splint illustrated in FIG- URES 1, 2 and 3 is shown as it appears when worn on a normal hand. i I

It will be further noted in connection with FIGURES 1 to 4 and particularly FIGURE 2, that the extreme or terminal end of the splint should bear on the finger near the ends of the phalanges remote from (or opposite to) the ends connected by tr ejoint being protected and supprinciples of the invention.

tion with the views of the drawing will enable the reader to obtain a full, clear and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter of the invention, the features and advantages, and the mode of applying, removing and using the appliance. Therefore, a more extended description is regarded as unnecessary.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling'within the scope of the invention as claimed.

- What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A readily applicable and removable brace functionally designed to limit extension and prevent hyperextension of the users finger and comprising; a onepiece openwork splint embodying opposedspaced parallel elongated rigid sidemembers, said side members being alike and having corresponding median portions thereof joined together 7 in spaced-apart parallelism by a downwardly curved palmar brace, a rear upwardly curved dorsal brace bridging the space between and rigidly connecting corresponding rearward end portions of saidside members and spaced rearwardly from said palmar brace, a second correspondingly upwardly curved dorsal brace spaced forwardly from said palmar brace and spanning the space between and interconnecting forward portions of said side members, and a third upwardly curved dorsal brace I spaced forwardly from the second dorsal brace and interconnecting the extreme forward end portions of said side members, said palmar brace being curved in a direccooperating with the latter and said side members in defining an elongated open-ended substantially circular passage.

2. A- hyperextension limiting brace comprising: a substantially rigid onepiece' unit embodying a pair of elongated coplanar spaced parallel side members commensurate in length with each other and having forward and rearward end portions, a first means disposed at right angles to and connecting the forward end portions of said side members and adapted to rest upon and firmly contact a member with which said means is functionally designed and adapted to-coopera-te, a second means structurally and functionally similar to said first means, spaced longitudinally of said first means and disposed at right angles to and connecting the rearward end portions of said side members together and likewise adapted to span and rest upon a member with which it is adapted to cooperate, and a third means also at right angles to and interconnecting intermediate portions of said side members, said third means being in a position intermediate the first and second means and being arched and of stirrup-like form, disposed in a plane spaced from the plane of the first and second means, rigidifying the respective intermediate portions of said side members and cooperating with the latter andalso with said first and second "means in defining an elongated open-ended passage.

d X-shaped in plan and fashioned into a cradling and restraining seat.

4. A dynamic orthopedic splint functionally designed and structurally adapted to limit extension and prevent hyperextension of a joint, for example the joint of the Wearers finger, said splint comprising an openwork onepiece harnessing and bridling brace, said brace embodying a pair of opposed rigid elongated side members alike, in construction and having corresponding diametrically opposite median portions connected together by an arcuately downwardly curved stirrup-like bridge member,

a first saddle-like bridge member disposed at right angles to and interconnecting forward end portions 'of said'side members and curved upwardly to conformingly reside atop the part which is adapted to be bridged thereby, a second saddle-like bridge member structurally similar and complemental to said first-named bridge inember'and spaced longitudinally therefrom and interconnecting and at right angles to the rearward ends of said side members and also curved upwardly and adapted to be conformingly saddled over a part with which it is adapted to cooperate, said stirrup-like bridge member being curved in a direction and manner opposite to said first and second saddledike bridge members and lying in a plane spaced from the plane of said first and second saddle-like bridge members in a manner to define an elongated open-ended substantially circular passage.

5. A splint-type brace which is adapted to be readily applied to and removed from the member which it is adapted to stabilize and which when in use limits extension and provides hyperextension, said'brace consistuting an open-ended openwork onepiece splint, said splint comprising'a pair of oppositely disposed elongated correspondingly constructed side braces, said side braces being disposed in spaced-apart coplanar parallel relationship, a downwardly curved X-shaped palmar stabilizing brace bridging the space between said side members and connecting corresponding median portions of said side members to each other and adapted to cradle a supportable portion of a braceable member therein, a forward upwardly curved dorsal brace arching over the space between, disposed at right angles to and interconnecting forward end'portions of said side members to each other and spaced a prescribed distance forwardly from said X-shaped brace, a rearwardly upwardly curved dorsal brace similar to said forward dorsal brace and likewise arching over the space between, disposed at right angles to and rigidly interconnecting rearward end portions of said side braces to each other and adapted to be saddled over and to reside atop a surface of the aforementionedv and rearward dorsal braces and lying in a plane spaced downwardly from the plane of the first and second dorsal braces and cooperating therewith and also with said side braces and coordinating in defining the aforementioned openwork splint and an elongated substantially .bilizing brace, and'said third means comprising an oppositely arched brace, the latter brace being generally I circular open-ended passage.

' References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 7 2,573,712 11/51 Kelly 128-89 2,582,930 7 OTHER REFERENCES Hyperextension Back Brace for Treatmentof Compression Fractures .of the Vertebral, by C. H. Bradford et al., The Military Surgeon, January 1946, pp. 40-42.

A Versatile Lively Splint by H. J. 'Glanville. The Lancet, February 3, 1962, pp. 252 and 253.

RICHARD A. GAUDET,.Primary Examiner. RQBERT E. MORGAN, Examiner.

1/52 lewett -12s 7s 

1. A READILY APPLICABLE AND REMOVABLE BRACE FUNCTIONALLY DESIGNED TO LIMIT EXTENSION AND PREVENT HYPEREXTENSION OF THE USER''S FINGER AND COMPRISING: A ONEPIECE OPENWORK SPLINT EMBODYING OPPOSED SPACED PARALLEL ELONGATED RIGID SIDE MEMBERS, SAID SIDE MEMBERS BEING ALIKE AND HAVING CORRESPONDING MEDIAN PORTIONS THEREOF JOINED TOGETHER IN SPACED-APART PARALLELISM BY A DOWNWARDLY CURVED PALMAR BRACE, A REAR UPWARDLY CURVED DORSAL BRACE BRIDGING THE SPACE BETWEEN AND RIGIDLY CONNECTING CORRESPONDING REARWARD END PORTIONS OF SAID SIDE MEMBERS AND SPACED REARWARDLY FROM SAID PALMAR BRACE, A SECOND CORRESPONDINGLY UPWARDLY CURVED DORSAL BRACE SPACED FORWARDLY FROM SAID PALMAR BRACE AND SPANNING THE SPACE BETWEEN AND INTERCONNECTING FORWARD PORTIONS OF SAID SIDE MEMBERS, AND A THIRD UPWARDLY CURVED DORSAL BRACE SPACED FORWARDLY FROM THE SECOND DORSAL BRACE AND INTERCONNECTING THE EXTREME FORWARD END PORTIONS OF SAID SIDE MEMBERS, SAID PALMAR BRACE BEING CURVED IN A DIRECTION OPPOSITE TO THE CURVATURE OF SAID FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD DORSAL BRACES AND LYING IN A PLANE SPACED FROM THE PLANE OF SAID FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD DORSAL BRACES AND COOPERATING WITH THE LATTER AND SAID SIDE MEMBERS IN DEFINING AND ELONGATED OPEN-ENDED SUBSTANTIALLY CIRCULAR PASSAGE. 